Week 1 Preview: It Begins

Scribes RFC begin another epic quest for provincial club rugby domination on Saturday in Langley, with both the Men’s and Women’s Teams in action.

The reigning BC Women’s Division 2 Champions will launch their Fall 2018 campaign under new leadership and with several new faces taking to the field. Seb Bouzac, who takes over the coaching reigns after a freak injury ended his Scribes playing career last season, will be charged with leading the group back to the top of the tables, despite some key weapons being unavailable. Notable names absent from the opening weekend lineup include Reba Rowe, Susan Brown, Nancy Romera and Whitney Paronish. Team Captain, Cat Power, will need to carry more of the load in their absence, but she will be supported by a number of emerging talents who are poised to step into bigger roles this year, including Steph Head, Jen Ding, Emer Casey and Morgan Glover.

Their mission to repeat as BC champions begins this Saturday against Langley at Crush Crescent field at 11:15am.

The Scribes Men’s Team have ambitions to emerge as a playoff contending side in the incredibly competitive BC second division this fall. New coaches Dan Simpson and Brad Van der Westhuizen, supported by a cadre of specialist player-coaches, have increased the intensity at training and heightened the discipline of the group.

Prop Gavin Maguire has shown an edge to his game in the early going, while Captain Brian O’Regan has demonstrated his unwavering commitment at the breakdown, even during pre-season engagements. Paddy O’Flaherty can dismantle defenses when in top form, and he’s show glimpses of that in the exhibition matches. Some new faces have been added to the mix as well, which should bolster the Scribes’ depth.

Despite a pair of narrow pre-season losses, the group is confident that they can navigate a demanding regular season schedule, starting this Saturday against Langley RC. The Men’s fixture at Crush Crescent kicks off at 12:45pm.